[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 76 (Tuesday, May 9, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E979]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



[[Page E979]]

          VETERANS' EMPLOYMENT ASSIST- ANCE MUST BE MAINTAINED

                                 ______


                      HON. G.V. (SONNY) MONTGOMERY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 9, 1995
  Mr. MONTGOMERY. Mr. Speaker, I am today introducing the Veterans' 
Employment and Training Bill of Rights Act of 1995. Under this measure, 
which would amend section 4100, title 38, United States Code, veterans' 
eligibility for priority services under any federally funded work-force 
preparation, development, and/or delivery program would be clarified. 
An eligible veteran would be required to meet program eligibility 
requirements and be within 10 years of his or her date of discharge or 
release from active duty. Special disabled veterans would be given 
priority and preference under this section.
  Additionally, the act would require entities that administer or 
deliver services under the above-described programs to provide 
information and effective referral assistance to veterans regarding 
benefits and services that may be obtained through other entities or 
service providers. The bill further provides that entities or services 
providers would be required to ensure that veterans are informed of 
their employment-related rights, benefits, and privileges provided 
under this measure.
  The act would also require each State or local council, board, or 
advisory body established in support of the employment and training 
programs addressed by this measure to include representation from the 
veterans' community.
  In order to ensure that veterans are being served in accordance with 
the intent of this legislation, the Secretary of Labor would be 
required to submit an annual report to the Committees on Veterans' 
Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate. It would be the 
Secretary's responsibility to determine what data is necessary to 
obtain the required information.
  Mr. Speaker, our country has a longstanding commitment to providing 
priority services to veterans seeking employment and training 
assistance. We are now in the midst of an in-depth review and redesign 
of our national labor exchange and job training programs. As ranking 
member on the Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Education, Training, 
Employment, and Housing, I feel strongly that our commitment to 
veterans must be protected and even strengthened during this era of 
change. The men and women who defend our lives and liberty through 
military service earn the priority of services they have traditionally 
been provided and will continue to be provided under this bill.
  I want to point out that no fewer than 17 States have implemented 
bills of employment rights for veterans. The Federal Government can and 
should do no less.


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