Senate passes legislation reducing red-tape for unemployed veterans
June 29, 2012
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Senate this afternoon unanimously passed legislation aimed at lowering the high unemployment rate among veterans.
The measure, the Veteran Skills to Jobs Act of 2012, is designed to help veterans more easily obtain licenses required for civilian jobs. More specifically, the bill requires federal agencies to recognize relevant military training when certifying veterans for federal occupational licenses. The agencies would have 180 days to streamline licensing procedures once the legislation is signed into law.
“When you come back from war, you shouldn’t have to do battle with bureaucrats,” said U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, who introduced the bill along with fellow Sens. Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).
“This will remove some of the obstacles in our veterans’ way and should make it easier for them to get licenses when they get home,” Nelson added.
The bill now heads to the House of Representative, where U.S. Reps. Jeff Denham (R-CA) and Tim Walz (D-MN) have introduced an identical measure. The bill is supported by the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Officers Association of America, the Retired Enlisted Association, the National Guard Association of the United States the Navy League and the Mid-Tier Advocacy Coalition.
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