Senate unanimously passed bill yesterday that includes similar provisions to Braley bill to increase veteran hiring

Washington, DC – After the US Senate unanimously passed the Returning Heroes and Wounded Warriors Tax Credit yesterday, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) used Veterans Day today to urge House leadership to take up the bill immediately and send it to the president’s desk.  The legislation includes language similar to the Combat Veterans Back to Work Act, a bill Braley introduced in August.

“Our service men and women put their lives on the line for our country,” Braley said.  “They shouldn’t have to fight for a job when they come home.  Unemployment among returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans is three times the national average.  That’s unacceptable.

“This bill will increase the hiring of veterans, improve resources for vets to translate their military skills into the civilian workforce, and provide veterans with new tools to help their search for a job.  I urge Congress to act immediately to pass the Returning Heroes and Wounded Warriors Tax Credit, because our veterans can’t afford to wait.”

In August, Braley introduced the Combat Veterans Back to Work Act, a bill which exempts a business from paying their share of an employee’s Social Security taxes for one year when they hire a current member of the National Guard or Reserve or any veteran who has returned from deployment within the last 18 months and is currently unemployed.

The Returning Heroes and Wounded Warriors Tax Credit includes similar provisions.  The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars have all endorsed the bill.

Braley is the highest ranking Democrat on the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

Volunteers honor legacy of Dubuque veteran by “paying it forward” to Veterans’ Freedom Center

Dubuque, IA – At 8:30 this morning, just two days before Veterans Day, dozens of volunteers from across the tri-state area gathered to put up drywall, paint, and help renovate the new home of the Dubuque Veterans’ Freedom Center during the first-ever Andrew Connolly Day of Service.

The day of service honors the legacy of the late Andrew Connolly, a Dubuque native and Iowa National Guard veteran who never stopped urging others to “pay it forward” in every aspect of their lives.  Before he passed away on August 26, 2011, after a battle with spinal cancer, Andrew Connolly could often be found at Dubuque’s Veterans’ Freedom Center, a place close to his heart.

“Andrew’s life was committed to serving others,” Braley said.  “Whether he was with his wife, Jenny, or his son, Brody, or serving overseas in Iraq, or advocating on Capitol Hill on behalf of other veterans, Andrew led by example.  The mantra he often repeated was ‘pay it forward.’

“We organized today’s day of service to honor and commemorate Andrew’s selfless spirit and ‘pay it forward’ to the Dubuque Veterans’ Freedom Center.  I hope this day grows in its scope and significance from this point forward – it’s a fitting tribute to a man who was so focused on helping others despite a life that dealt him a very challenging set of circumstances.”

Braley joined Jenny Connolly, the Freedom Center, and local groups to organize the day of service.  Braley spent his time putting up new drywall.  Volunteers were given custom Andrew Connolly Day of Service t-shirts.

Andrew Connolly worked hard to help his fellow veterans.  In May, the US House passed the Andrew Connolly Veterans’ Housing Act, a bill Braley introduced to expand grant programs for permanently disabled veterans to remodel their homes and make them more disability-accessible

# # #

Over 60 national employers participating in virtual career fair this Thursday

Waterloo, IA – Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs will hold a virtual online job fair for veterans this Thursday November 10, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Central Time, the day before Veterans Day.

"Our veterans have made incredible sacrifices for our nation and after returning from the battlefield they deserve good jobs," Braley said. "I am committed to use every opportunity possible to help these veterans.  Iowa veterans should visit www.veteranscareerfair.com to register and take advantage of this great opportunity."

Over 60 national employers and nearly 40,000 veterans have already registered to participate in the online career fair.

“As we work to help Veterans find good paying jobs, it is important that we take advantage of online resources that connect our Veterans with employers around the Nation who want to hire these highly qualified and experienced men and women,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.

Veterans are encouraged to pre-register at http://www.veteranscareerfair.com for the online career fair.  During the career fair on Thursday, veterans from across Iowa and the country can log in and visit virtual employer booths, search for and apply to job openings, and chat with recruiters online.

Braley is the Ranking Member of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity and last month held a field hearing in Waterloo that focused on veterans’ economic opportunity and job creation, focusing especially on Iowa National Guard and Reserve members who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.