On the recordMay 17, 2012
Madam Speaker, for the past 39 months, our Nation's unemployment rate has remained above 8 percent due to the administration's failed policies. Sadly, the average unemployment rate for our veterans is even higher. Congress has developed a pilot program to help veterans find jobs. Veterans should be prepared to simultaneously meet the same standards and perform the same tasks in the military and industry as in the workplace. In order to address this issue, Congressman Joe Walsh of Illinois has proposed an amendment for today's National Defense Authorization Act, providing for the Department of Defense to reform the pilot program, helping servicemembers apply the skills learned during their military service to the civilian workplace. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this amendment for servicemembers, military families, and veterans. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. ____________________
