Bill filed to boost hiring of veterans for construction projects

A bipartisan pair of lawmakers have filed legislation to require the federal government and recipients of its transportation funding to give preference in hiring for construction projects to veterans of the military. 

The bill, filed by Reps. Tom Petri (R-WI) and Nick Rahall (D-W. Va.), has been been dubbed the Mobilizing Opportunities for Veterans Employment Act (H.R. 3473). 

The lawmakers — both members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee — said the legislation was a win for both military personnel returning from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the nation's infrastructure, which they argued was badly in need of repair. 

“Our war veterans are a small part of the population who have taken on a heavy burden for all of us.  We owe them a tremendous debt,” Petri, chairman of the Transportation committee's subcommittee on Aviation, said in a statement. 

“By providing them job preference in highway and transportation projects, we are affirming that we are honoring that debt," Petri continued. "It is important to thank veterans for their service, but we need to thank them with deeds as well as words.”

No new money is appropriated for transportation projects by the bill, but Rahall agreed that giving veterans preference in hiring practices could lower unemployment among the group, which is usually higher than the general population. 

“The brave men and women who have put their lives on the line in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere deserve to be at the front of the line rebuilding our crumbling roads and bridges here in America when they return home,” Rahall, who is the ranking Democrat on the Transportation Committee, said in a statement.  

“Our veterans are highly-skilled, have demonstrated enormous leadership, and the best way we can support our troops and veterans is by creating jobs for them when they come home," he continued.  "This bill would help veterans transition from the war zone by creating job opportunities for them in the work zone.”

Veterans support groups such as the American Legion hailed the legislation. 

"The American Legion is very concerned about reducing the ongoing high unemployment among veterans of all of our nation’s conflicts," American Legion National Commander Fang Wong said in statement.  "This legislation will provide veterans opportunities for employment due to this veterans preference requirement. 

“More importantly, for veterans of the current wars, this construction work will allow them to continue their service to their country by rebuilding our national infrastructure which is similar to the nation-building missions they participated in during their military service,” Wong continued.