Two North Florida congressmen--Republican U.S. Rep. John Rutherford and Democrat U.S. Rep. Al Lawson--brought back a proposal to help veterans transition out of the service and into the civilian sector.
Back in October 2017, 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. While the bill cleared the House, it failed to pass the Senate.
The two North Florida congressmen brought it back this month with U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho, R-Fla., and U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., on board. Other backers include U.S. Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif., and U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Minn.
“Congress has the responsibility to fight for those who fought for us,” said Rutherford on Monday. “I have seen firsthand the huge impact that transition assistance programs have made in my own region of Northeast Florida. When communities get involved and help veterans find stable, long-term employment, we see better outcomes for all. I am proud to reintroduce this critical legislation to help our warfighters better transition to civilian life.”
“When our servicemembers return home, it is critical for them to have access to resources that will make for an easier transition,” Lawson said. “The Veterans Armed for Success Act equips local organizations with the support they need to train our veterans from serving to a professional career. I will continue doing all that I can to guarantee that veterans receive access to the resources and opportunities they rightfully deserve.”
“Our veterans answered the call to defend our nation and protect the liberties and freedoms we enjoy every day,” said Yoho. “When their service is complete, it is essential that their country give them every tool to transition back into civilian life successfully. The Veterans Armed for Success Act focuses on transition assistance for all veterans providing them with the training they need to be successful in the workforce. I am happy to join Rep. Rutherford along with other members of Congress in support of this vital bill to help our veterans.”
“As a combat veteran and Green Beret, I know how hard service men and women train and prepare for our jobs on the battlefield,” Waltz said. “It is also essential for us to train and prepare for our transition into civilian life, but we often need resources and guidance to do so. Our country and our communities are better when our veterans find stable, meaningful employment to support themselves and their families. I’m proud the Veterans Armed for Success Act will provide VA grants to local organizations supporting our heroes’ transitions.”
The bill was sent to the U.S. House Veterans Affairs Committee. So far, there is no companion bill over in the U.S. Senate.
