Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today also in support of H.R. 3199, the Emergency Medic Transition Act. This legislation would provide grants to States with a shortage of EMTs to assist veterans who have completed military emergency training and assist them in becoming State-licensed or certified EMTs. Through their service in the Armed Forces, these veterans have received some of the best emergency response training available. Our Nation is currently blessed with thousands of men and women who, through their honorable service in Iraq and Afghanistan and around the world, are equipped with unmatched credentials and vast practical experience. We have heard of stories from around the country of there being a shortage of EMTs and about the training and licensing barriers returning veterans face when they transition to the civilian workforce. If the Federal Government has provided training in emergency management services to these veterans, it would be beneficial to use that investment to fill EMT needs in communities once the veteran has left the service. It makes sense to me that we should help veterans with life-saving skills to use them in our communities after they come home. I would certainly like to thank also Congresswoman Harman and Chairman Pallone as well as Congressman Buyer of Indiana, all of whom have worked hard on this legislation. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.”