On March 12, 2010, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics published its finding on the status of unemployed military veterans.  The report highlights that veterans between the ages 18 to 24 had an unemployment rate of 21.6 percent in 2009.  While these numbers are troubling, today we have the opportunity to build upon the progress we have made on the areas of education and employment that seek to address the high unemployment rates among veterans. 

This hearing seeks to build upon the feedback we received in previous hearings on licensure, certification and employment matters.  During these hearings, we received testimony on the barriers encountered by veterans.  Barriers such as: non-transferable Military Occupation Skills to the civilian sector; required supplemental training even though one’s military career may have surpassed the requirement in some states; inadequate education benefits under Title 38; and need to augment the Transition Assistance Program.

I am glad to see we are joined by representatives from the Department of Defense which is responsible for training our men and women in uniform to meet the demands of their respective military career.  I am also glad to see the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Labor who both oversee these unique benefits and programs that may help our nation’s veterans gain meaningful employment after their military service. 

While servicemembers and veterans all have unique career goals, it is vitally important that all Federal agencies continue to work hand-in-hand to provide the best licensing and certification assistance available to our men and women who have answered out nation’s call to duty.  I look forward to hearing from all of our panelists today so that we may continue to help our servicemembers and veterans.