The federal government issues occupational licenses in fields including the aerospace, communications, energy and maritime sectors. The bill would not directly affect occupational licenses controlled by states, but some of them already consider military training in their licensing processes, according to House sponsor Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Calif.).
"The federal government has invested in our service members and should do everything it can to ensure that they can put their skills to work," Denham said in a statement.
"This should make it easier for veterans to use their military skills when they get home, and remove some of the roadblocks in their way," sponsor Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) said in the statement.
In a statement released by the White House, President Obama said, "No veteran who fought for our nation overseas should have to fight for a job when they return home. That's why I'm pleased that Democrats and Republicans in Congress have come together to pass legislation that will make it easier for veterans to put their skills to work . . . we must all continue our efforts to ensure that these talented men and women who would be an asset to any company have every opportunity to succeed after they serve our nation.
Read more:
Legislation Aims To Help Veterans Apply Job Skills
By Eric Yoder
Washington Post
July 13, 2012
Pg. B4