Afghanistan Trip Inspires Congressional Legislation to Assist Veterans

Press Release

This afternoon, Representative Kathy Hochul (NY-26) held a roundtable discussion with members of Western New York's veteran community. Hochul and the group discussed her recent trip to Afghanistan, the future of the war, her efforts to cut aid to Pakistan, and legislation and policies to support veterans.

"I'm thankful to have had the opportunity today to meet with some of Western New York's veterans, share my experiences with them, and also hear their valuable insight on legislation I'm introducing to help troops transition back to civilian life. One of my top priorities is working to ensure that returning veterans have the support they need, and roundtables like this one are invaluable to hear the views of the veterans' community," Rep. Hochul said.

Rep. Hochul has consistently supported legislation intended to assist veterans. Hochul has introduced veterans' telehealth legislation to improve access to medical care for veterans in rural areas, cosponsored legislation that encourages hiring vets, and has made efforts to assist homeless veterans. She is currently working on new legislation, the Vocational Employment and Technical Skills Act (VETS Act), that will assist veterans transitioning to civilian life by eliminating unnecessary hurdles for veterans who have a high level of competence in many certifiable fields. The VETS Act requires states to alter their certification procedures to take veterans' military training into account if they seek to become a surveyor, plumber, general construction equipment operator, HVAC repair person, carpenter, electrician, or an automotive/aviation engine repair person.

"As a former US Army officer, I can attest to the fact that the job skills training that our men and women receive through the US Armed Forces is second-to-none. At last we now have a bill which will serve to facilitate the process by which a state recognizes these skills in deciding to issue a certification or license to veterans seeking jobs after leaving the service. This measure will help to reduce the current unemployment rate among veterans which is currently at an unacceptably high level," said Michael C. Lancer, Co-chair of the New York State Bar Association Special Committee on Veterans.

William Wilkinson, Deputy Director of the Wyoming County Veteran's Service Agency added, "I appreciate Congresswoman Hochul's concerns and willingness to do outreach to the people who can make opportunities available to assist veterans and their families, addressing some of the current problems and challenges they are facing."

Hochul voted to cut $1 billion dollars in funding to Pakistan in the FY12 Defense Appropriations Bill. In the FY13 National Defense Authorization Act, Rep. Hochul voted to block all funding to Pakistan until Pakistan stops harboring insurgents and assists the U.S. in defeating international terrorism.

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