Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5630, a bill which would set certain requirements for professional level jobs at the Department of Veterans Affairs' Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program. In 2009, the Government Accountability Office reported that one-third of the VA's regional offices reported that their VRE staffs did not have the skills needed to properly serve the disabled veterans who come to them for help. Although it is our understanding the VA currently hires counselors with at least a master's degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling, it does not require counselors to obtain and maintain certification in their field from a national certifying organization. To ensure that the VA rehabilitation counselors are the best qualified in their field, H.R. 5630 would set a minimum hiring standard at a master's degree and would require counselors to obtain national certification within 5 years of hiring and to maintain these qualifications.”