Opportunities for Veterans

Statement

I spent Thursday in San Antonio where I had the opportunity to meet with business and community leaders who are at the forefront of the effort to hire unemployed veterans. At the end of last year, Congress passed a bipartisan bill that offers a tax credit to employers who hire unemployed veterans. I was happy to support this bill, and happier to see Texans benefiting from it.

The unemployment rate for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan is 13.1%--well above the unacceptably high national average. Taking care of our veterans is of the utmost importance, and that includes helping them find jobs. This bill paves the way for a private sector jobs program that is already showing remarkable signs of success.

Equally remarkable are the veterans I was privileged to meet while in San Antonio -- veterans like retired Army Master Sergeant Todd Nelson, who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. A recipient of the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the Legion of Merit, Mr. Nelson is now working as a Talent Programs Specialist for USAA, where he focuses on hiring wounded veterans. Mr. Nelson himself has undergone more than forty reconstructive surgeries. Such military heroes represent the very best of America, and they deserve their country's assistance as they transition out of the military and pursue civilian careers.

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