[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 56 (Tuesday, April 23, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S2901]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. BAUCUS (for himself and Mr. Johanns):
  S. 784. A bill to expand agricultural opportunities for military 
veterans, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture, 
Nutrition, and Forestry.
  Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, in 1787, Thomas Jefferson wrote a letter 
to George Washington in which he wrote ``Agriculture is our wisest 
pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, 
good morals, and happiness.''
  Those words remain true for our farmers and ranchers today but they 
also ring true to for veterans who are returning from service and 
returning to the land.
  Our veteran unemployment rate is shameful, and it really hits home in 
rural States like Montana where so many folks volunteer for service. I 
believe we must think outside the box and look for ways to boost jobs 
for our veterans in everything we do. Which has me turning to the Farm 
bill.
  Today I, with my colleague Senator Johanns, have introduced the 
Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans Act which will help 
create new opportunities for our veteran populations hoping to become 
involved in farming and ranching.
  With over 45 percent of those who serve in the military coming from 
rural communities Congress must ensure our returning servicemembers 
have a variety of resources at their disposal.
  My bill will help boost veteran employment through the Farm bill. It 
would create a veteran preference in programs that make it cheaper and 
easier to institute best practices in farming and ranching.
  The bill also creates a new Military Liaison Office to assist 
veterans at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and expands outreach 
programs to help make sure veterans are aware of the resources 
available to them.
  I urge my colleagues to join myself and Senator Johanns in supporting 
veterans through our programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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