On the recordNovember 3, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about jobs. Millions of Americans are hurting and in need of work. Our Nation's veterans have been particularly hard hit by the economic downturn. With Veterans Day approaching, it is heartbreaking to see so many of our Nation's heroes suffering. Nearly 1 million veterans are unemployed right now, and their unemployment rate exceeds the rest of the Nation. We must act now, Mr. Speaker. Here in the House, we have passed the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act. This legislation takes an all- encompassing approach that incorporates education and training, eliminates roadblocks in the system, and helps veterans compete in a 21st-century economy. Putting our veterans back to work is something we can all agree on, Mr. Speaker; and I encourage the Senate to address this important issue. ____________________
