[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 21 (Monday, February 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E256]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HIRE A VETERAN WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 30, 2007

  Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 5, 
expressing Congressional support for ``Hire-A-Veteran Week,'' and 
encouraging the President to issue a proclamation calling upon 
employers to increase employment of men and women who have served 
honorably in the U.S. Armed Services.
  As a U.S. Army veteran and a longtime member of the House Armed 
Services and Veterans' Affairs Committees, I know of the challenges 
awaiting our service members when transitioning from military service 
to the civilian workforce. While this resolution will not solve the 
problems of unemployment within the veterans community, it is a strong 
message that we as members of Congress should send to anyone in a 
position to hire qualified veterans.
  According to the U.S. Department of Labor, younger veterans have a 
significantly higher unemployment rate than those of the general 
population in the same age range. Madam Speaker, I find this situation 
unacceptable and I believe most Americans would agree that our country 
should do more to assist these veterans in transitioning from active 
duty to the civilian workforce.
  Furthermore, as a strong advocate of hiring qualified veterans, I 
practice what I preach. Having hired military veterans in both my El 
Paso, Texas and Washington, D.C. offices, I know of the exceptional 
training the Armed Forces provides our service members, and 
wholeheartedly encourage any employer to consider hiring those veterans 
who have served our country.
  Madam Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in supporting our 
Nation's veterans by voting in favor of H. Con. Res. 5.

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