[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 80 (Thursday, May 31, 2012)]
[House]
[Pages H3270-H3271]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    VETERANS OPPORTUNITY TO WORK ACT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Michigan (Mr. Walberg) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. WALBERG. This past Monday, we gathered together to honor 
America's fallen soldiers--the men and women who gave their lives 
sacrificially in exchange for our freedoms. Amid the Memorial Day 
parades and picnics, we reflected on their courage and their bravery to 
fight for these freedoms at any cost, including the ultimate cost.
  We must never take for granted the privileges we enjoy because of 
their sacrifice, such as being able to worship where and how we want; 
that our media can share information without fear of censorship; and 
that we can freely vote for public officials without fear of 
punishment. Let us also remember the young men and women spread across 
the world who continue to fight for that freedom. To them, we also say 
thank you and pray for a safe and soon return.
  But our commitment to the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces 
should not end when they return. Each year, thousands of new veterans 
return home, many to Michigan's Seventh District, still wearing the 
physical, mental, and emotional scars from their time in combat. I am 
fighting in Congress to make sure that veterans receive the highest-
quality medical care that they have earned and deserve.
  I also want to provide our Nation's heroes with the resources they 
need to settle back into civilian life, which is why I cosponsored the 
Veterans Opportunity to Work Act. Specifically, this legislative 
package, which became law last November, will smooth the transition for 
veterans from military service back into the job market through job 
counseling, training, and placement.
  Too often, our troops return home, expecting to trade their fatigues 
and weapons for a suit or a hard hat, only to find out that the 
employment situation is a battlefield, to say the least, of a different 
kind. Millions of Americans are without work under the current 
administration's failed economic policies, with the unemployment 
numbers being considerably higher for veterans.

[[Page H3271]]

  To me, there is no greater way to honor our Nation's servicemen and -
women than by making sure they can get a job when they return. I've 
held a number of job fairs back in my district that have been tailored 
specifically to assisting veterans. At each and every event, experts 
are on hand to offer advice for how to effectively search for a job, 
write a resume and impress during an interview. Up to 50 vendors and 
local businesses, which would be honored to hire our Nation's heroes, 
attend these events.
  Republicans have also put forth a plan for America's job creators 
built around small businesses, not Big Government. It includes reining 
in Federal regulations and out-of-control spending, which hold back 
small businesses; repealing the costly health care law; and tapping 
into the abundance of natural resources right in our own backyard. We 
are focused on long-term growth and not a short-term stimulus. Our 
veterans need jobs now and in the future.
  Those who answer the call of duty from their country should not be 
overlooked when they return home. I remain committed to providing the 
best care and a strong economy for our Nation's heroes. It is the least 
we can do for those who have already given so much.
  As always, may God bless and protect our troops and their families.

                          ____________________