[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 16585]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  THE INTRODUCTION OF A BILL, THE VET SUCCESS ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2011

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                         HON. LINDA T. SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 2, 2011

  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
introduce a bill the Vet Success Enhancement Act of 2011.
  This bill renews and extends the solemn promise we have made to our 
veterans. It will allow our wounded warriors a greater chance to 
prepare for, find and keep suitable jobs through apprenticeships, 
vocational counseling and general career services.
  Currently, many veterans miss their window of opportunity to enroll 
in the VetSuccess program. Many veteran service organizations have come 
before the Committee on Veterans Affairs and testified that the current 
cut-off period does not adequately provide disabled veterans sufficient 
time to enroll in the program.
  Therefore, I am introducing this legislation to extend the 
eligibility period by 3 years. It is my hope that this additional time 
will allow our disabled veterans the time they need to complete 
training that allows them to reenter the workforce.
  Disabled veterans have paid a steep price in their service to our 
country. The least we can do is fix a legislative technicality which 
would ensure that our service men and women are able to benefit from 
this important program that allows them to return to productive 
civilian life.
  Mr. Speaker, it is our duty to ensure that our wounded warriors are 
given the opportunity to succeed here at home. I strongly believe that 
participation in the VetSuccess program can help put veterans on a 
meaningful path to success. I urge our colleagues to join me in 
supporting our veterans.

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