Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2022

Floor Speech

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Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of my amendment to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

First, I thank all of our brave veterans for putting their lives on the line to defend our freedom and our families. After sacrificing so much, no veteran should ever have to struggle to get the care and resources they have earned. We should always have their backs.

My provision today will do just that, ensuring that veterans have access to high-quality job training, workforce development, and career navigation services. These skills will help our veterans transition back into civilian life, reach their career goals, and care for their families.

We know that veterans have the skills to make them exceptional workers, but they often face barriers to employment. Data shows that unemployment rates are higher for veterans than nonveterans.

My amendment will ensure that veterans are prioritized to receive Federal career resources, and it builds on the work I have helped lead, working across the aisle since I was elected to support our veterans and their families.

The first piece of legislation I passed in Congress was to expand hiring of post-9/11 veterans. Today, we have the opportunity to fight for them like they fought for us.

I urge all of my colleagues to support this amendment, and I thank the chairman for his leadership.

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