Boozman Chairs VA Oversight Hearing

Boozman Chairs VA Oversight Hearing

U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today received an update on the efforts of three executive departments to improve the transition of veterans from military to civilian life.

Boozman chaired an oversight hearing of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee of the House Veterans Affairs Committee and heard testimony from former VA Secretary Anthony J. Principi, Chairman of the Congressional Commission on Servicemembers and Veterans Transition Assistance, as well as three representatives from the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Labor and Defense.

"Many of the Transition Commission's recommendations are still relevant," Boozman said. "The commission's focus on placing veterans in a position to successfully transition and obtain meaningful employment matches the goals of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee.

"If we can provide individuals with the ability to support their families, then the VA will be better off down the road," Boozman added.

In January, 1999, the Commission of Servicemembers and Veterans Transition Assistance (Transition Commission), chaired by Principi, submitted its findings to the Congress containing over 100 recommendations. These recommendations addressed the complete spectrum of programs designed to improve the military-to-civilian transition process administered by the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Labor, and Defense.

Some recommendations required legislation, some required policy changes within the Departments. The report's recommendations addressed 5 categories: education, employment and training, healthcare, economic equity, and organizational structure.

http://www.boozman.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=54058