Reestablishment of Professional Certification and Licensure Advisory Committee

Floor Speech

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Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Arizona (Mrs. Kirkpatrick) for introducing H.R. 2942, which will have an important impact on the lives of our servicemen and -women separating from the military.

I also want to extend my thanks to Chairman Miller for the bipartisan way in which he leads our committee.

During my time as ranking member of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, I have seen how transitioning servicemembers can struggle to find employment. Life beyond the military can be complicated, as we found out from employers who attended a March veterans employment roundtable hosted by myself and our committee's ranking member, the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Michaud).

These are men and woman who have real work experience, but are still struggling to find steady, meaningful employment. Meanwhile, when they return to their communities, people are shaking their hands and thanking them for their service, when what they really need is a job.

Many employers have recognized the skills veterans bring to the table, but there is still so much more work to be done. By passing this legislation, we will be sending a clear message of our respect for military members' service and their experience as professionals.

Reestablishing the advisory committee on professional certification and licensure will ensure veterans get the broadest and most comprehensive support to acknowledge the skills they have earned and the experience they have gained while in the military.

By supporting this legislation, we will help ensure these men and women can be our next nurse, electrician, or plumber or engineer or any other professional they are qualified to be.

Please, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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