Miller Introduces Milestone Veteran Employment Legislation

 

To watch a preview of the legislation, please click here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Jeff Miller, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, introduced comprehensive legislation to help stem the rising unemployment rate among America's veteran population, which stands at nearly 1 million. The Veteran Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act of 2011 (H.R. 2433) is a 360 approach that incorporates education, training, protections, and eliminates roadblocks in the system to provide veterans with the opportunity to compete in a 21st century economy.

 

"In today's economic environment, finding meaningful employment is difficult, and it's no different if you are a veteran," stated Miller. "We must come together as a nation to keep our promise to those who have protected not only our Liberty, but the American way of life. It is our duty to welcome these men and women back into society and match their skills with jobs."

 

Struggling under oppressive debt, poor credit, and rising unemployment, two-thirds of unemployed veterans are between the ages of 35-64, while one-third of veterans who are out of work are Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. With American small businesses under the threat of higher taxes and even more regulation, veterans are especially at risk in the global marketplace as they put service before their own educational and professional goals.

 

"This can't be done in a vacuum. We must address our economic problems, while ensuring veterans have the hard skills that will be in demand as the economy recovers," Miller said. "This legislation is the beginning of that objective. Veterans are born leaders, hard working, and honest, characteristics employers seek. I am committed to reducing the veterans' unemployment rate to below 5 percent over the next two years. They kept their vow to us, now it's our turn to vow to help them."

 

A legislative hearing will be held on July 15, 2011, at 10 a.m.

 

To learn more about the VOW Act, please visit: Veterans.House.Gov/Jobs.

 

 

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Veterans.House.Gov 

 

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