Boozman Introduces Legislation To Accommodate Veterans Transition to Civilian Life

Press Release

Boozman Introduces Legislation To Accommodate Veterans Transition to Civilian Life

U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR), the Ranking Republican on the Veterans Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, today introduced legislation aimed at expanding assistance to veterans for job training, housing accommodations and education opportunities. Among the six pieces of legislation is a bill named after Pat Tillman, a U.S. Army Ranger and former Arizona Cardinal killed in the line of duty while serving in Afghanistan.

"As Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity I continue to work with my colleagues to provide more job opportunities for our veterans and find ways we can assist their lives after serving our country," Boozman said. "These pieces of legislation represent areas we can improve our commitment to our veterans through employment, education and accommodating living needs."

H.R. 1172 , the "Pat Tillman Veterans' Scholarship Initiative" is named after the former NFL player who was killed on active duty while serving in Afghanistan. The bill directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include a list of organizations that provide scholarships to veterans and their survivors on the VA website.

H.R. 1171 , the "Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) Reauthorization Act of 2009" reauthorizes the HVRP program for five years through Fiscal Year 2014. HVRP provides grants to homeless veteran providers for job skill training and employment services.

H.R. 1170, establishes a grant program to encourage development of new assistive technologies that will help meet the needs of disabled veterans through the Specially Adapted Housing grants.

H.R. 1169, This bill would triple the sizes for the Specially Adapted Housing and Adaptive Auto grants. These grants enable disabled veterans to adapt their homes and their vehicles to meet their particular disability. These grants are essential for increasing the opportunities for disabled veterans to lead full and successful lives.

H.R. 1168, the "Veterans Retraining Act of 2009" increases training assistance for veterans who have been unemployed for at least four months. The bill would provide a housing stipend for veterans who are participating in a re-training program. The bill would also provide up to $5,000 in moving expenses for the veteran who completes the training to move to an area of the country that has jobs to fit their new skill.

H. Res. 188, honors the service, courage and sacrifice of the Seawolves of Helicopter Attack Light Squadron Three, the only Navy helicopter gunship squadron to fight in the Vietnam War.

Congressman Steve Buyer of Indiana, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and co-sponsor to several of Congressman Boozman's bills, praised the Congressman Boozman for his dedication to veterans and their families.

"Congressman Boozman is a true advocate for veterans and I am proud to support and co-sponsor his legislation that will create economic and job opportunities for those who have defended liberty. Mr. Boozman's bills will promote college scholarships to veterans, fund job skill training for homeless veterans, and provide additional funding for research and grants for adapting homes and automobiles to convenience disabled veterans. Clearly, these benefits would provide veterans a needed boost in these economically challenging times."

Source