[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 51 (Wednesday, March 28, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E469]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         CDLS FOR VETERANS ACT

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                            HON. JANICE HAHN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 28, 2012

  Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, as our men and women return from the wars in 
Iraq and Afghanistan, we have a duty to honor their sacrifice and 
service. They are returning to an economy that has not yet fully 
recovered and, especially for those veterans under 35, they will face a 
higher rate of unemployment than the national average.
  These servicemen and women come home with valuable experience and 
training, but often find that there is a disconnect between their 
service and requirements for employment in the civilian world. These 
men and women should not be forced to start over in their training for 
good-paying jobs like commercial truck driving.
  The men and women who operated heavy machinery and combat vehicles 
come home with a wealth of knowledge and first hand experience. Our 
communities cannot afford to let this expertise go unused. Currently, 
if these professionals want to use their skills to become professional 
drivers, they need to go through training for a Commercial Driver's 
License as if they had no experience at all.
  That is why I am introducing the ``Commercial Drivers Licenses for 
Veterans Act.'' This legislation will provide grants to states to 
provide for the expedited training and licensing of veterans with prior 
experience operating heavy machinery and combat vehicles.
  By passing this bill, we will not only ensure that our communities 
have the professional drivers they need, but we will show the men and 
women who have served our country that we value their experience and 
expertise.

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