[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 42 (Thursday, April 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E631]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             VETERANS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES ACT OF 1997

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. JAMES H. MALONEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 9, 1997

  Mr. MALONEY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 57,000 
Veterans in the fifth district of Connecticut, I rise today to support 
H.R. 240, the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1997
  Veterans provided an invaluable service to this Nation, and they 
continue to play a critical role in our work force. H.R. 240 protects 
the rights of veterans who are in the Federal work force by 
establishing a Special Counsel to bring those who knowingly violate 
preference laws before the Merit System Protection Board.
  H.R. 240 also protects veterans during Federal reductions in force 
and expands veterans preference to jobs that are not currently covered. 
This bill opens Federal employment opportunities for individuals 
honorably discharged from the military after 4 years of service, by 
eliminating artificial barriers which prevent them from competing for 
Federal jobs because they are not already civilian employees or 
employees of a particular agency.
  Our veterans are treasured national assets. They have defended our 
country in time of war, and safeguarded it in time of peace. This bill 
today honors them with the respect and dignity they deserve, by 
utilizing their skills and expertise in the Federal work force. I urge 
the House of Representatives to pass this measure unanimously.

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