III 110th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 365 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES November 2, 2007 Mr. Smith (for himself and Mr. Akaka) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs RESOLUTION Encouraging all employers to target veterans for recruitment and to provide preference in hiring to qualified veterans.

Whereas the people of the United States have sincere appreciation and respect for the individuals who serve in the Armed Forces; Whereas in order to recognize their sacrifices, including time out from their civilian careers while serving in the Armed Forces, Congress enacted the Veterans’ Preference Act of 1944 to restore veterans to a more favorable competitive position for Federal Government employment; Whereas, although veterans acquire skills and qualities during their military service that make them ideal candidates for employment, some veterans need assistance in readjusting to civilian life, evidenced by the fact that the unemployment rate of young veterans is more than twice the national rate; Whereas it is acknowledged that the dignity, pride, and satisfaction of a civilian job are essential to the smooth and full reintegration into civilian life of those who have answered our Nation’s call to arms; and Whereas all citizens and all employers benefit from the service of members of the Armed Forces and thus bear some responsibility to assist in the reintegration of former servicemembers into civilian life: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)urges all employers, private sector as well as State, county, and local government, to target veterans for recruitment and to afford qualified veterans hiring preference similar to the benefits provided by chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, to preference eligibles, as defined in section 2108 of such title; and (2)encourages the President to issue a proclamation in connection with Veterans Day, November 11, 2007, calling upon all employers to make a special effort to target veterans for recruitment and to provide preference in hiring for qualified veterans.