A bill from two North Florida congressmen--Republican U.S. Rep. John Rutherford and Democrat U.S. Rep. Al Lawson--to help veterans transition out of the service and into civilian careers is picking up steam on Capitol Hill.
Earlier this month, Rutherford and Lawson unveiled a bill creating a grant matching program for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to support organizations that help veterans enter the private sector through job training programs and other training to help them enter the civilian workforce.
This week, the U.S. House Veterans Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity advanced the “Veterans Armed for Success Act.” Rutherford weighed in on Wednesday after his legislation moved through the subcommittee.
“This vote is great news for our veterans,” Rutherford said. “It’s the first step to passing a bill that will give them greater opportunities to transition into stable, long-term employment which will strengthen families, build a stronger local workforce, and improve the mental health of our veterans. Veterans are reliable, and dedicated, and they deserve to find a fulfilling career in their local area. I thank my colleagues on the Veterans Affairs Committee and on both sides of the aisle for supporting this important piece of legislation for our veterans and look forward to the Committee and House passing it as well.”
Lawson made the case for the proposal when he and Rutherford showcased it last week.
“Too often, American veterans who have selflessly served our country, return home to little or no job prospects,” Lawson said. “The Veterans Armed for Success Act equips local organizations with the support they need to train our veterans, and their loved ones, as they transition from serving their country to pursing a professional career. I am proud to work beside my friend and colleague Rep. Rutherford on an issue that extends beyond partisan politics and works to create a better quality of life for all American veterans.”
So far, there is no similar bill in the U.S. Senate.
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