[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 88 (Friday, June 12, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1395]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    WOUNDED VETERAN JOB SECURITY ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 8, 2009

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of our brave men 
and women in the Armed Forces who are returning to our nation in 
increased numbers to find that their employment prospects are limited 
because they have chosen to fight for our great nation. The detrimental 
effect of multiple deployments upon our soldiers has been increasingly 
seen and documented in an effort to ameliorate the situation. Yet those 
soldiers who have chosen the route towards getting help whatever their 
ailment may be, from physical wounds to psychological are now being 
ostracized.
  It is our duty as a nation and government to protect those who have 
so valiantly fought for our freedoms. Our objectives should be to make 
sure that they are included in the process of reestablishing our 
economy in the most vital way possible--employment. Not only should we 
fight for their inclusion, but we should also help them in providing 
the tools necessary for them to fairly compete in the job market 
whether it is psychological counseling for trauma experienced while in 
combat or job training to bolster the unique skill sets they have 
acquired during their time in the service.
  Our fellow soldiers are part of the fabric that weaves the story of 
our great nation. They are the seams of the garment that bring us all 
together despite our backgrounds or cultures. Without them we as a 
nation will fall apart. It is up to us to reinforce the stitching that 
keeps us together--we need to do whatever it takes to keep them strong 
and viable.
  This is why I am in support of H.R. 466 which advocates for the end 
of discrimination towards our soldiers who have left the service with 
more than they enlisted. Many return to us suffering from the trauma of 
the wars and others with wounds that only time may be able to heal. I 
call upon the Members of Congress and the nation to support our men and 
women in uniform.

                          ____________________