Republican National Convention Names Google Official Innovation Provider

2008 Republican National Convention Names Official Innovation Provider

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) - Embracing technology that will propel the 2008 Republican National Convention to the forefront of the digital age, the GOP today announced that Google Inc. will serve as the Republican National Convention's Official Innovation Provider. Convention President and Chief Executive Officer Maria Cino made the announcement in a unique video posted to the convention's new YouTube^TM channel (www.youtube.com/gopconvention2008). The video is also showcased on the convention's website (www.GOPConvention2008.com), and highlights Google's cutting-edge, computer-generated SketchUp^TM graphics of the Xcel Energy Center, where the convention will be held.

As Official Innovation Provider, Google Inc. will enhance the GOP's online presence with new applications, search tools, and interactive video. In addition, Google will help generate buzz and excitement in advance of the convention through its proven online marketing techniques.

"Google and YouTube are synonymous with innovation, and our groundbreaking collaboration will set a new precedent for engaging and involving Americans in the Republican National Convention," said Cino. "We also remain firmly focused on providing the eventual Republican nominee with every tool available to communicate his message to the American people - and this agreement is an important part of our efforts."

The convention's official website, www.GOPConvention2008.com, will eventually feature a full-range of Google^TM products, including Google Apps, Google Maps^TM, SketchUp^TM, and customized search tools, which will make navigating the site easier. The convention's YouTube channel will enable visitors to upload, view, and share online videos. These innovative technologies will also help the GOP streamline convention organization and expand its online reach across websites, mobile devices, blogs, and email.

"As more Americans go online to learn about elections, we're pleased to work with the Republican National Convention to give citizens around the world easy access to convention information and new ways to engage in the event," said David Drummond, Google's Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Chief Legal Officer.

"This year, YouTube will bring a new dimension to this landmark event by enabling GOP visitors to share their unique experiences with the world through the power of online video," said Chad Hurley, YouTube co-founder. "We look forward to working with the convention committee and watching the action unfold."

The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from September 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2008.com.
###Google, YouTube, Google Earth, Google Maps, and SketchUp are trademarks of Google, Inc. All other entity and product names may be trademarks of the respective entities with which they are associated.

President Bush and the GI Bill

House authors Edith Nourse Rodgers of Massachusetts and John Rankin of Mississippi look on as President Roosevelt signs legislation popularly known as the "GI Bill of Rights."

Statement by the Press Secretary Once again, the New York Times Editorial Board doesn't let the facts get in the way of expressing its vitriolic opinions - no matter how misleading they may be. In today's editorial, "Mr. Bush and the GI Bill", the New York Times irresponsibly distorts President Bush's strong commitment to strengthening and expanding support for America's service members and their families.

This editorial could not be farther from the truth about the President's record of leadership on this issue. In his January 2008 State of the Union Address, while proposing a series of initiatives to support our military families, President Bush specifically called upon Congress to answer service members' request that they be able to transfer their GI Bill benefits to their spouses and children. In April, he sent a legislative package to the Hill that would expand access to childcare, create new authorities to appoint qualified spouses into civil service jobs, provide education opportunities and job training for military spouses, and allow our troops to transfer their unused education benefits to their spouses or children.

As Congress debates the best way to expand the existing GI Bill, Secretary Gates has laid out important guidelines to ensure that legislation meets our service members' needs and rewards military service. First, since our servicemen and women have regularly requested the ability to transfer their GI bill benefits to their family members, legislation should include transferability. Second, legislation should provide greater rewards for continued military service in the all volunteer force.

There are several GI bill proposals under consideration in both the House and Senate. The Department of Defense has specific concerns about legislation sponsored by Senator Webb because it lacks transferability and could negatively impact military retention.

The President specifically supports the GI Bill legislation expansion proposed by Senators Graham, Burr, and McCain because it allows for the transferability of education benefits and calibrates an increase in education benefits to time in the service.

Though readers of the New York Times editorial page wouldn't know it, President Bush looks forward to signing a GI bill that supports our troops and their families, and preserves the experience and skill of our forces. # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary May 26, 2008

World War II "GI Bill"

The original World War II "GI Bill" exceeded all expectations and had enormous benefits beyond the immediate ones given to deserving war veterans. College enrollment grew dramatically: in 1947, GI Bill enrollees accounted for almost half of the total college population. Following the war, more than 2 million veterans went to college using GI Bill educational benefits. The result was an American workforce enriched by 450,000 engineers, 238,000 teachers, 91,000 scientists, 67,000 doctors, 22,000 dentists and another million college-educated men and women. Since 1944 more than 21 million veterans and dependents have participated in GI Bill education and training programs.

Original GI Bill benefits also included loans for buying a home, farm or business, and job-finding assistance. VA's home loan program, for example, is largely credited with creating the suburbs in America. Since 1944 more than 16 million veterans have purchased homes with help from VA. The Subcommittee has continually authored legislation to refine and update these kinds of benefits for our All-Volunteer Force. Veterans Benefits Home

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