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NEWS from Legislative hearing on H.R. 4765, 21st Century Veterans Employment and Training Act and H.R. 3256, Veterans’ Right to Know Act


Witness List and Statements

Rep. Bob Filner, left above, the Benefits Subcommittee’s Ranking Democrat, watches as Chairman Jack Quinn questions a panel.
At left, Anthony Prinicipi, Chairman of the Congressional Commission on Servicemembers and Veterans Transition Assistance, shares a laugh with Heather French, the reigning Miss America. The final report of Principi’s Commission served as a blueprint for major benefits legislation this year. Miss French has been a tireless advocate for veterans’ causes. At right, Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-NJ), second from left, testifies on his Veterans’ Right to Know Act, H.R. 3256. To his left is veterans’ advocate Richard Bernard, a constituent of Rep. Rodney J. Freylinghuysen (R-NJ), left, who introduced him. At far right is Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA), member of the full VA Committee and supporter of Pascrell’s bill.

At left, Alan Gibson, Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialist from Missouri, gives his views on veterans’ employment problems. Testifying on the same panel were James H. Hartman, center, New York State’s Director of Veterans Employment and Training Service; and Dr. Carol A. Cowan, President, Middlesex Community College, Lowell, Mass. At right, VA Under Secretary for Benefits Joseph Thompson describes VA programs. He was accompanied by Robert Epley, Director of Compensation and Pension Service for the Veterans Benefits Administration.    
Espiridion (Al) Borrego, right, the Department of Labor’s Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training, offered his views on employment legislation. Leadoff witness for the final panel was Mike Sheridan, center, former Executive Director, Texas Workforce Commission. He was joined by Stephen Horton, left, Manager of Employment Security Program Services, Alabama Department of Industrial Relations; and Donald E. Shasteen, former Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans Employment and Training Service.