Representatives Cisneros, Cook, Slotkin, and Takano Secure Bipartisan Amendment to Expand Job Placement Assistance for Military Servicemembers and Veterans in The Fy 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

Statement

Today, Representatives Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (D-CA), Paul Cook (R-CA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Mark Takano (D-CA) secured the inclusion of a bipartisan amendment in the FY 2020 NDAA to support job placement assistance and related employment services for military families. The amendment enables the Secretary of Defense to create a pilot program, based on the successful Work for Warriors model, that will enable states across the country to provide job placement assistance and related employment services for members of the National Guard and Reserves in active duty status, veterans, dependents and spouses, and Gold Star Family members.

"I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan amendment with my colleagues, Representatives Paul Cook, Elissa Slotkin, and Mark Takano. The Work for Warriors model upon which this pilot program is based has a proven track record of placing eligible individuals in jobs at minimal cost," said Rep. Cisneros. "Providing job placement assistance to our Guardsmen, Reservists, military spouses, and veterans will not only help them continue to provide for their loved ones, but also ensure they are productive members of our military family."

"I'm proud to be a leading advocate for the Work for Warriors Program. The program in California has been hugely successful and cost effective," said Rep. Cook. "I look forward to seeing this program grow throughout the country, because we owe it to our veterans. I thank my colleagues Reps. Cisneros, Slotkin, and Takano for their leadership on this issue."

"I'm so proud to be co-leading this bipartisan amendment to help connect veterans and military families with good-paying jobs," said Rep. Slotkin. "Particularly for Michigan, where we have so many National Guard and Reserve troops, the inclusion of those service members in this pilot program would be a great benefit to our state. As a country, we owe our veterans support in accessing good-paying jobs, and I'm proud to be working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in that mission."

"In California, the Work for Warriors program has been instrumental in connecting veterans and reservists with jobs and helping ease their transition back into civilian life," said Rep. Takano. "By expanding this program to states across the country, we can help more veterans have access to good employment opportunities that will provide economic stability for them and their families. As Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I'd like to thank my colleagues for their commitment to this important effort and for supporting the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, our country."

Background:

This amendment enables the Secretary of Defense to create a pilot program, based on the successful Work for Warriors model, that will enable states across the country to provide job placement assistance and related employment services for members of the National Guard and Reserves in active duty status, Veterans, dependents and spouses, and Gold Star Family members. To qualify for federal funds, the State must provide matching dollars. California, Washington, Georgia, Nevada, and South Carolina already have programs.