[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 64 (Thursday, May 1, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E835]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF H.R. 1906, THE SERVICEMEMBERS' TRANSITION ASSISTANCE 
              PROGRAM AND SERVICES ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2003

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LANE EVANS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 2003

  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Servicemembers' 
Transition Assistance Program and Services Enhancement Act of 2003. 
This legislation would improve our servicemembers' often challenging 
transition process from active-duty military service back into civilian 
life. In the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001 
(Public Law 107-95), Congress made a commitment to end chronic 
homelessness among veterans within this decade. This legislation is a 
strong step forward to honoring that commitment.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say that this bill is a proactive measure; 
it aims to educate our separating servicemembers about the risk factors 
associated with homelessness, as well as provide them with the tools 
they need to obtain quality long-term employment.
  Unemployment and continual underemployment can lead to poverty, which 
is the common denominator and root cause of homelessness. This measure 
would ensure that all servicemembers have the opportunity to 
participate and take advantage of important Transition Assistance 
Program (TAP) services prior to leaving military service.
  TAP is jointly administered by the Departments of Defense, Labor, and 
Veterans Affairs. These services generally include, employment 
counseling, career assistance, and veterans' benefits guidance for 
active-duty servicemembers returning to civilian life. Currently, only 
the Marine Corps requires mandatory TAP attendance for all of its 
separating or retiring servicemembers. The Marine Corps again leads the 
way!
  Mr. Speaker, every veteran and servicemember I have spoken with 
concerning TAP has said that attending a transition workshop was a 
positive experience, and that the services truly helped them in their 
civilian job search. Additionally, as we all know, the military is 
comprised of a substantial number of married servicemembers. This 
measure acknowledges the special people that make-up our military 
community, and encourages full spousal participation in TAP services.
  Further, this important legislation would also require that TAP 
workshops include homelessness risk awareness assessments. As 
servicemembers leave military life to become civilians, they must 
adjust to new responsibilities and in certain ways a new lifestyle. 
This transition can be particularly challenging to veterans who are at 
greater risk of becoming homeless.
  According to recent studies, veterans: comprise 23 percent of the 
overall homeless population and 33 percent of the homeless male 
population; are twice as likely to become homeless as non-veterans; 
female veterans are approximately four times as likely to become 
homeless as their non-veteran counterparts; 40 percent of homeless 
veterans reported mental health problems; 49 percent reported alcohol 
abuse; 31 percent reported drug use; 52 percent reported chronic 
medical conditions.
  Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Linda Boone and the entire staff 
of the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. I very much appreciate 
their advocacy on behalf of homeless veterans.
  I encourage all my colleagues to support this proactive legislation.

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