PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Mar 22, 2002
Defend Our Freedom Act of 2002 - Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned (Secretary concerned) to pay a bonus of $18,000 to each individual who: (1) enlists in a service branch; (2) enters into an agreement to perform enlisted service for three years, the first 18 months of which shall be on active duty, and the last 18 months of which shall be with the Selected or Ready Reserve; (3) commences such service at the grade of E-1; and (4) satisfactorily completes such service period.Authorizes the Secretary concerned to employ a retired member as an instructor in a basic training program.Increases the amount of monthly basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill.Allows individuals entitled to basic educational assistance who have completed six years of military service to elect to use such entitlement to contribute to a Coverdell education savings account for any child who has not yet attained 18 years of age.Requires the head of each institution of higher education to provide to the Department of Defense the same access to students, and directory information concerning such students, as is generally provided to prospective employers. Outlines procedures to be taken by the Secretary of Defense if such access is denied.Directs the Secretaries of Defense and State to jointly establish a Commission on Military Recruitment and National Service to increase and broaden citizen participation in military and national service.
People & committees
Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ] · R–AZ
Legislative record
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Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 19, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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