Costello, Toomey Introduce the State Outreach for Local Veterans Employment (SOLVE) Act

Press Release

Congressman Ryan Costello (PA-06), a member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, introduced today H.R. 5190, the State Outreach for Local Veterans Employment Act (SOLVE Act), in the U.S. House of Representatives. Companion legislation was also introduced in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA). Both bills are supported by the American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the National Guard Association of the United States.

Presently, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) administers the Veterans Employment and Training Services (VETS) Program. To qualify for VETS grant funding, State governors must submit an annual plan that DOL can accept or reject in full. However, as States seek additional flexibility to deliver effective employment and training assistance to veterans, including the opportunity to coordinate existing resources and consolidate veteran support programs under one organizational umbrella, they risk having DOL reject their plan in full. The SOLVE Act provides states with crucial flexibility to utilize existing DOL VETS grant funding in the way that best serves and meets the unique needs of their respective veteran populations. In short, the SOLVE Act enables veterans to receive better, targeted assistance in finding jobs.

"The SOLVE Act is commonsense legislation that will allow states to better assist veterans in finding sustainable employment. Through state flexibility, the legislation will result in Pennsylvania veterans getting the assistance they need to find a good job," Congressman Ryan Costello said. "After giving so much for our country, we must do everything we can to empower our veterans looking for employment. I commend Senator Toomey for his leadership on the SOLVE Act and I am proud to be introducing it in the House."

"We must help veterans to find good jobs, especially as the economy continues to stumble along," said Sen. Toomey. "The courageous men and women who serve in our armed forces deserve to return home to a steady job, a paycheck, and a promising future. Employers across the nation need workers with the technical and leadership skills that come from military service. Let's allow folks in the states and on the ground, rather than bureaucrats in Washington, use their best judgment about how to help veterans connect with employers."

Costello's Work for Veterans

Since coming to the House in 2015, Costello has focused on working for veterans:

H.R. 3936, the Veterans Engagement Teams Act (VET Act), introduced by Costello, is moving forward in a subcommittee of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. This legislation would establish a pilot program of events for veterans who need help processing their disability claims. The events would take VA employees out of the office and into the community to provide local veterans with one-on-one assistance. If a veteran's claims are not processed at the event, the legislation requires VA employees to provide a clear explanation of next steps.

H.R. 2894, the Caregivers Access and Responsible Expansion for All Veterans Act (CARE for All Veterans Act), would expand the VA's caregiver support program to the family caregivers of all our nation's veterans, regardless of their time of service. I support this legislation because those who sustained a serious injury in their service to their country, and their family members who have sacrificed so much to care for these heroes, deserve an equitable system.

H.R. 4260, the Servicemember Higher Education Protections Act, would make military families aware of the full range of benefits and programs to provide student loan relief. We should ensure our men and women in uniform are not strapped with student loan debt as they serve their nation.

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