U.S. Representative Martha McSally today testified before the Committee on Veterans Affairs about her legislation, the Veterans' Entry to Apprenticeship Act, a bill to expand skills training programs to veterans. Her testimony before the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity highlighted the challenges veterans face transitioning to civilian life as well as the importance of expanding veterans' access to pre-apprenticeship programs.
"As a veteran, I know personally that when someone raises their right hand and volunteers to defend our nation, we commit to doing all we can to assist them when they return. Part of that promise means helping our veterans transition to civilian life after their service," Rep. McSally said during the hearing. "This (bill) would be a win not just for veterans, but for local employers as well."
Rep. McSally introduced the Veterans Entry to Apprenticeship Act, on March 12, 2015. The bill would provide veterans the ability to use their educational benefits under the GI Bill to enroll in Department of Labor approved pre-apprenticeship programs, courses that prepare individuals to enter more advanced level apprenticeship training.
The bipartisan bill now has 34 cosponsors and awaits action by the Committee on Veterans Affairs, where it has been referred.