National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013--Resumed

Floor Speech

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AMENDMENT NO. 3291

Mr. PRYOR. Madam President, I want to thank Chairman Levin and Ranking Member McCain for the work they have done on the National Defense Authorization and for working with me on this amendment.

This bipartisan amendment, the Helping Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Return to Employment, HIRE, at Home Act, introduced by myself and Senator Johanns encourages states to consider the training servicemembers receive during active duty when determining eligibility for State licenses and certifications.

This amendment will encourage States to consider the specialized military training and experience servicemembers acquire on active duty as filling all or some of the State certification and licensing requirements. Specifically, the amendment will apply to individuals seeking employment as commercial truck drivers, certified nursing assistants or emergency medical technicians.

By eliminating the expensive and time consuming hurdles servicemembers often face, this amendment will help ensure our returning veterans come home to new job opportunities and help lower the high unemployment rate among our young veterans.

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