Taking Care of Our Veterans

I'm committed to making sure that we take care of those at home who have protected and fought for our freedom abroad. It's a commitment we made and a commitment we must keep. That's why I was proud to support several veterans-related bills in this session of Congress.

The Improving Job Opportunities for Veterans Act (H.R. 1412) would increase the number of jobs available to veterans through on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs by reducing how much employers must cover of their salaries. The remainder of the wages would be covered by the Veterans Affairs Department. This provides a greater incentive for private sector businesses to hire veterans.

The American Heroes COLA Act (H.R. 570) provides for an automatic increase in disability compensation and dependence and indemnity compensation indexed to Social Security cost of living increases effective December 1, 2014. Such action would alleviate the need for Congress to pass new legislation each year, providing certainty for veterans and their families.

Finally, the Helping Heroes Fly Act (H.R. 1344) directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to provide expedited passenger screening for severely injured or disabled veterans and members of the Armed Forces and their families. This bill is now law.

These are commonsense measures that will help make life a bit easier for our nation's veterans. By improving employment opportunities for veterans, and making it simpler for disabled veterans and their families to receive cost-of-living adjustments, we're renewing our commitment to those who have given so much in defense of their country. I hope the Senate will also pass these remaining bills in the near future.

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