Effective Apprenticeships for Veterans

Floor Speech

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Ms. SLOTKIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Support for Veterans in Effective Apprenticeships Act. I am so proud to be coleading this bipartisan bill with Representative Clark, and I want to, in particular, thank Senator Gary Peters from the great State of Michigan for his leadership in driving this legislation through the Senate.

When we make the decision to send men and women to fight for our country, we make that decision to support them for the rest of their lives. That means veterans should have every opportunity to enroll in an apprenticeship that connects them with good-paying jobs.

The bill before us today expands the number of programs veterans can access with their GI benefits. GI benefits can cover things like housing and living expenses when they are going through their apprenticeship.

This bill came straight from concerns raised by veterans in the district. In particular, I want to thank Rick Donovan, a veteran from Oakland County, who brought this idea to our attention.

Just last month, I visited Lansing Community College with Senator Peters, which has some amazing apprenticeship programs.

This bill has already passed the Senate with bipartisan support. It is a great example of what can happen when we work together on issues that matter to all of us across Chambers and across parties.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in support of this bill and send it to the President's desk.

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