Tim Walberg: “I would like to start by thanking subcommittee Chairman Dent and Chairman Rogers for their work in developing this…”

“I would like to start by thanking subcommittee Chairman Dent and Chairman Rogers for their work in developing this legislation to address the current and future needs of our Nation's veterans. I rise today to offer an amendment that highlights the need for veterans job training as part of this appropriations bill. Simply, my amendment would designate $5 million within the general operating expenses of the Veterans Benefits Administration account to support programs that help our veterans transition to the workforce. Michigan is home to more than 660,000 veterans who contribute every day to the vitality of our communities. {time} 1645 These men and women have developed marketable skills, from technical training in mechanics, IT, and health care, to leadership qualities, ethics, and problem-solving abilities, yet too many of them struggle to find employment after they have completed their service. Those veterans recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan face unique challenges to finding employment, as those who served in Active Duty since September 20, 2001, face a jobless rate that is 1.7 percentage points higher--7.2 percent veterans versus 5.5 percent national--than the general population.…”