Political Quotes

“I thank the chairman for the opportunity to address two amendments which are part of this package. The first is my amendment to protect military tuition assistance, an important tool for members of the armed services to obtain the necessary professional development education and to prepare themselves for the civilian job market upon leaving the service. Last year, approximately 300,000 servicemembers used tuition assistance to pursue their educational goals. Unfortunately, last March, the administration chose to end this program, and it took congressional action to overturn that decision. This amendment would prevent even the specter of ending this benefit from ever happening again. Our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines deserve better. Second, included in this package is an amendment requiring the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study on veteran-owned small business contracting and to examine the feasibility of putting a priority on meeting veteran-owned small business contracting goals first, similar to a successful program in the VA. They will be examining how fair contracting practices for veteran-owned small businesses could positively affect veteran unemployment, homelessness and even suicide. Mr. Chairman, the fact is there are 250,000 servicemembers transitioning each year from military life to civilian life.…”