With Democratic Leadership, House Enacts “VOW To Hire Heroes Act” To Put Veterans To Work And Grow Our Economy
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Charles Rangel today hailed passage of the VOW to Hire Heroes Act – legislation to put veterans to work, create jobs for America’s men and women in uniform, and strengthen our nation’s economy. After pressure from Democrats in Congress, House Republican leaders had no choice but to bring President Obama’s veterans jobs bill to the floor for a vote. The legislation has already passed the Senate and the President is expected to sign it.
“Giving our men and women in uniform the opportunity to succeed once they return home is one of America’s greatest responsibilities,” said Rangel. “If it were not for the support I received upon returning home from my tour in Korea I may not be serving in Congress today. My Democratic Colleagues and I remain committed to supporting our veterans and all of America in creating jobs and restoring the American Dream.”
Part of President Obama’s American Jobs Act, the VOW to Hire Heroes Act expands opportunity for our veterans by creating the Hiring Heroes and Wounded Warriors tax credits to encourage businesses to hire service members and those with service-related disabilities. It incorporates House Democrats’ proposals to boost hiring for veterans and provide them with the training they need to find a job in civilian life.
With this bill, America can welcome our soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, and Coast Guardsmen back into their communities as entrepreneurs, small business owners, and workers.
Added Rangel: “These are heroic and skilled soldiers returning home and they should have the chance to contribute to America’s workforce and make our economy stronger.”
Passing a Democratic jobs bill doesn’t change a fundamental truth: For 314 days, Republicans have failed to offer a clear jobs agenda. Americans can’t wait; Democrats will continue to call on the House Republican leadership to bring up the rest of the American Jobs Act to put people to work, strengthen small businesses, and grow our economy.