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Reps. Susie Lee and Steve Watkins Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Encourage Hiring Veterans

May 2, 2019

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03) and Rep. Steve Watkins (KS-02) introduced the Hire Student Veterans Act to help ensure that all student veterans can take advantage of valuable paid internships or work opportunities while in school.

"Hundreds of thousands of veterans call Nevada home. It's our duty to help them and every service member transition back into civilian life by giving them the training, resources, and opportunities they need to get good-paying jobs and start their new careers," said Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03). "I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to make sure all veterans using their GI Bill benefits have access to valuable paid internships and work opportunities. Every veteran who has put their life on the line for our country deserves to make a decent living, care for their family, and pursue their career goals--The Hire Student Veterans Act helps them do just that."

"One struggle our veterans should never have to face is the struggle of finding employment when transitioning from active duty service to civilian life. By incentivizing employers to hire veterans using their GI Bill benefits, the Hire Student Veterans Act would help these brave men and women join the workforce," said Rep. Steve Watkins (KS-02). "Ensuring the heroes who have sacrificed so much for our Country are able to find self-worth and dignity in work is the least Congress can do. I am proud to be introducing this bipartisan piece of legislation with Rep. Lee and look forward to helping my veteran brothers and sisters making the transition from active service to civilian life."

"As a retired Army soldier and Director of UNLV's Military & Veteran Services Center, I have witnessed the many challenges of veterans transitioning from active service to campus to career," said Ross Bryant, Executive Director of the UNLV Military & Veteran Services Center. "Helping these warriors transition successfully to their new career field also assists corporations in acquiring exceptional new employees who are team-oriented, values-driven and possess leadership experience. I can think of no greater honor than to serve our veterans in their successful transition."

"We applaud efforts to provide our student veterans with opportunities to find gainful and meaningful employment to advance their careers," said Lauren Augustine, Vice President of Government Affairs with Student Veterans of America. "By encouraging businesses to hire student veterans for paid internship opportunities, this legislation will help prepare the student veteran population for success."

This bill is the House companion to Sen. Jacky Rosen's bipartisan Hire Student Veterans Act, introduced in the Senate earlier this year.

Issues:Veterans