The new G.I. Bill is part of a larger, $162 billon war-funding bill that will pay for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan into the spring of 2009.

‘‘A few moments ago, I signed legislation that funds our troops who are in harm’s way,” said Bush in a White House Press Conference Monday. ‘‘Our nation has no greater responsibility than supporting our men and women in uniform — especially since we’re at war.”

The bill will increase full-time student payments from $1,100 per month to an average of $1,900. The Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits will also be expanded by 20 percent.

The new bill will also compensate a monthly monetary stipend to cover living expenses for full-time students.

Executive Assistant to Bethesda’s Command Master Chief Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Rondell Terrell said the education benefits will help service members to get money for tuition.

‘‘This is a great opportunity being proposed by our president,” Terrell said.

‘‘America remains a nation at war. There are enemies who intend to harm us. Standing in their way are brave men and women who put on the uniform, who raise their right hand, and took an oath to defend our freedom,” Bush said. ‘‘We owe these brave Americans our gratitude. We owe them our unflinching support.”

Military family members will also benefit from the new bill, the president said.

‘‘This legislation will make it easier for our troops to transfer unused education benefits to their spouses and children. It will help us to meet our responsibilities to those who support our troops every day — America’s great military families,” Bush said.

‘‘It’s good for morale and I think all Sailors [should] take advantage of it,” said Personnel Specialist 3rd Class (AW) Erick Toribio, who works in Bethesda’s Command Secretariat Office. ‘‘It’s especially good that the benefits [can be] passed on to dependents.”