[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 141 (Monday, September 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1720-E1721]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND VETERANS AFFAIRS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2009

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                               speech of

                           HON. CLIFF STEARNS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 2008

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 6599) making 
     appropriations for military construction, the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year 
     ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes:

  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Chairman, my amendment would make it easier for 
veterans to find

[[Page E1721]]

employment in their communities. While it would be subject to a point 
of order, I believe it has a great deal of merit. My amendment is 
simple and inexpensive. It directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
use funds from the VA's General Operating Expenses Fund to establish a 
portal on the VA Web site containing a comprehensive list of employment 
opportunities throughout the United States so that veterans are better 
able to secure employment after they return home from combat.
  Furthermore, these results could then be updated annually to reflect 
the current and changing needs in the local job market. With the 
posting of this information on the VA Web site, veterans could simply 
plug in their ZIP code and see a list of the occupations that are most 
in demand within their commuting area, allowing them to use their 
Federal job training more effectively.
  I have received a commitment from Chairman Edwards and Ranking Member 
Wamp to send a letter to the VA Secretary asking him to establish a 
portal on the existing VA Web site that would contain comprehensive, up 
to date employment opportunities in various job markets across the 
country. In addition, I would like to work with the chairman and 
ranking member to get comparable language in the conference report to 
ensure this happens.
  I would like to thank Chairman Edwards and Ranking Member Wamp for 
their commitment to veterans and for their offers of support for 
ensuring that the idea of my amendment becomes a reality.

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