[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 173 (Thursday, November 8, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S14232-S14233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




ENCOURAGING ALL EMPLOYERS TO TARGET VETERANS FOR RECRUITMENT AND HIRING

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 373, which was submitted 
earlier today.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 373) encouraging all employers to 
     target veterans for recruitment and to provide preference in 
     hiring qualified veterans.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.

[[Page S14233]]

  Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I am pleased to join my distinguished 
colleague, Senator Smith, in honoring our Nation's veterans through 
passage of S. Res. 365. We are days away from honoring veterans for 
their sacrifices with a national day of recognition on November 11. Our 
resolution would urge the President to order a proclamation calling 
upon employers to make special efforts to recruit and hire veterans 
this Veterans Day.
  As chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I am well 
acquainted with the employment issues facing veterans, members of the 
Guard and Reserves, and their families as they seek to move from the 
military to the civilian workforce. Making these transitions is never 
easy, but for younger veterans it can be particularly difficult. For 
members of the National Guard and Reserves, the return to a job they 
previously held may be challenging for a variety of reasons. For family 
members, the uncertainty of multiple and extended deployments poses 
different obstacles. Finally, the obstacles facing those who are 
disabled during their service can sometimes seem overwhelming. The 
needs of these individuals deserve our utmost attention and resources.
  Despite these problems and challenges, veterans make good employees. 
They know how to work, and they bring with them a wealth of expertise 
and experience. I believe the employment data supports my belief since 
rates of unemployment for veterans generally are lower than their non-
veteran counterparts. However, the rate of unemployment for younger 
veterans and those recently separated from active duty tends to be 
higher than their non-veteran peers.
  This resolution would highlight the actions that employers can take 
to honor the sacrifices of our Nation's veterans and allow them to use 
the skills learned while in service to their country. Veterans have 
made sacrifices serving our Nation. When they come back from that 
service, it is our responsibility as legislators to aid them in 
returning to the civilian world. Having a job can be one of the 
greatest steps a returning servicemember can make in successfully 
reintegrating into civilian society.
  I am honored to stand with my colleague in honoring the veterans of 
the Nation, and I urge my colleagues to join us. It would be my hope 
that employers around the country take up this proclamation as a best 
practice and continue to look at veterans as their first choice when 
making hiring decisions.
  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to 
reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements relating 
thereto be printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 373) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 373

       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, including some young veterans who 
     experience high unemployment rates;
       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
       Resolved, 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

                          ____________________