The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“SUPPORTING OUR VETERANS DURING DEPLOYMENT AND WHEN THEY RETURN HOME” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Labor was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H9298 on Dec. 6, 2019.
The Department provides billions in unemployment insurance, which peaked around 2011 though spending had declined before the pandemic. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, claimed the Department funds "ineffective and duplicative services" and overregulates the workplace.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
SUPPORTING OUR VETERANS DURING DEPLOYMENT AND WHEN THEY RETURN HOME
(Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise to support H.R. 5314, the Veterans in Effective Apprenticeships Act, with my colleague, Congresswoman Katherine Clark.
Our Nation's veterans deserve our support while they are deployed and when they return home, and one of the best ways to do that is to prepare them for the workforce outside of the military.
Our servicemembers have attained incredible skills during their service. Sadly, when they return to civilian life, finding a good-
paying, family-sustaining job may be difficult.
H.R. 5314 helps streamline the process of attaining apprenticeships and reduces roadblocks for our veterans. The bill does four major things:
H.R. 5314 ensures programs are equipped to complete the expedited VA process for registered apprenticeships.
It clarifies that veterans are eligible for advanced placement and commensurate wage increases;
The bill instructs apprenticeship programs to account for a participant's competencies and prior experiences, including those gained during military service; and
H.R. 5314 aims to improve coordination between the Department of Labor and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
I am proud to support this bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.
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