Capps Applauds Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Help Get Veterans Back to Work

Santa Barbara, CA – Today Congresswoman Lois Capps (CA-23) applauded the House of Representatives passage of the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act (H.R. 2433). The legislation makes improvements to existing programs, like the Transition Assistance Program, designed to help returning service members reintegrate into civilian life, as well as implement new strategies to address high unemployment amongst the nation’s veterans. Currently, the unemployment rate amongst Iraq and Afghanistan era veterans is higher than the national average at 11.7 percent, up from 9.8 percent in August.   The legislation passed the House by a vote of 418-6 and has the support of numerous veterans’ groups including the American Legion and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. 

Capps was also pleased that the legislation directs the Department of Labor to work with states to identify barriers that prevent veterans from being credentialed or licensed in fields that utilize their military skills.  These jobs would include paramedics and aircraft technicians. Earlier this year, Capps introduced legislation to make it easier and faster for veterans who served as medics to earn certification as civilian Emergency Medical Technicians.   For more information on Capps’ bill click here.

Our military men and women face too many obstacles when they come home and begin looking for civilian work.  Our veterans and their families have made tremendous sacrifices for their country, and we owe it to them to do what we can to make their transition easier. I hope the Senate  will act on this legislation as soon as possible,” said Capps

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