Durbin Measure Assures Level Playing Field for Reservist Veterans Applying for Federal Jobs

DURBIN MEASURE ASSURES LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR RESERVIST VETERANS APPLYING FOR FEDERAL JOBS

After the Senate passed his Reservist Access to Veterans Preference amendment, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) said members of the National Guard and Reserve who have served in overseas military operations are a step closer to receiving the same consideration as other combat veterans when applying for federal jobs.

Current law allows veterans to receive higher priority consideration in hiring for federal jobs. Because the law is unequally applied in federal hiring, some agencies have denied veterans' preference to Reservists who have returned from qualifying active duty in Iraq or Afghanistan and reverted to their part-time reserve service.

By clarifying the law, veterans will be able to maintain their service in the Reserves or National Guard and still be eligible for consideration as a veteran when applying for federal employment. Durbin was inspired to take action after an Army Reserve soldier from Fairview, Illinois was denied veterans preference in applying for a job with the Department of Justice despite serving two qualifying tours overseas.

"Members of the National Guard or Reserve who honorably defend and serve America overseas should not be penalized because of bureaucratic roadblocks. Reservists should receive the same consideration as other combat veterans when applying for a federal job. I continue to work to help guarantee this measure becomes the law of the land," Durbin said.

Durbin's measure was unanimously approved by the Senate as an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2006 Defense Authorization bill. The amendment is endorsed by the Reserve Officers Association.

http://durbin.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=248868&&